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Epidemiology of Major Depressive Disorder
> 11/4/2005 3:50:55 PM

Some statistics from a study on the epidemiology of MDD in October's Archives of General Psychiatry:
(study conducted in 2001-2)
5.28% of adults experienced MDD in the previous year.
13.23% experienced MDD at some point during their lifetime.
The mean age of onset of MDD was 30.4 years.
For those that experienced MDD, the average number of episodes over the course of their lifetime was 4.7.

Some of the most important data came from the comorbidity of MDD andalcohol and drug abuse. Among those who reported MDD in the previousyear, 14.1% reported alcohol abuse, 4.6% reported drug abuse and 26%nicotine dependence. When looking at those with lifetime MDD, thepercentages climb considerably. 40.3% of those who reportedlifetime MDD had an alcohol use disorder. 17.2% of those withlifetime MDD reported a drug abuse problem, while 30% reported nicotinedependence.

Comments
Is there a specific reason so many people with depression or related disorders have a nicotine addiction? I understand for many it calms the nerves, but it seems unusual that so many would turn to cigarettes when there are so many alternatives.-JV
URL: http://jhohannen.blogspot.com
Posted by: Johnny V. 11/5/2005 7:51:10 AM
Problem is that Nicotine is a short term antidepressant that actually makes users feel less depressed (even if the effect last less than an hour). It is this effect that plays a role in the development of the addiction to nicotine. People who are addicted to drugs in general do them to feel better and escape from emotional pain. Hope this helps you a little.William E. Hapworth M.D.

Posted by: bwg18b 11/6/2005 8:09:19 AM